Processed
Cholecalciferol
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is the animal-form vitamin D used to fortify milk, plant milks, margarines, cereals, and supplements so diets support calcium absorption and bone health where sunlight exposure is limited. It is fat-soluble and typically carried on oil, starch, or spray-dried beadlets for even dispersion in food matrices. Pure crystalline D3 is white to off-white and extremely potent by weight—food use is micrograms (IU) only. Lanolin-derived and lichen or other non-animal routes supply different labelling needs. Stability depends on light, oxygen, and packaging; premixes protect activity through processing.
Also known as: Vitamin D3 / Cholecalciferol, Vitamin D3, D-vitamin / Kolekalciferol
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Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 0 mg
- Salt 0 g
- Total Carbohydrate 0 g
- Dietary Fibre 0 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Water 0.1 g
Vitamins
Crystalline vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a steroid alcohol used in tiny fortification doses. Per 100 g it is the vitamin itself (~100000000 µg D3). It is fat-soluble but this uncut crystal is not a culinary oil: 0 labelled macros, 0 carbohydrate.
In the kitchen
Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Cholecalciferol.
Usually avoid with
Often clash in flavour or tradition
History
Researchers linked cod-liver oil and ultraviolet light to rickets prevention, identifying the vitamin D complex.
Milk irradiation and later direct D fortification campaigns reduced rickets in industrial cities.
Structure work distinguished vitamin D forms; cholecalciferol was characterised as the D3 form.
Industrial synthesis from lanolin cholesterol intermediates scaled pure cholecalciferol supply.
Plant milks and vegan D3 sources expanded cholecalciferol and related D fortification beyond dairy.